Miami's Community Newspapers White Logo
Home Blog Page 1996

Tickets on sale for action-packed stunt show, Marvel Universe LIVE!

Tickets on sale for action-packed stunt show, Marvel Universe LIVE!
Tickets on sale for action-packed stunt show, Marvel Universe LIVE!
The superheroes and villains of the Marvel Universe will invade South Florida in January.

Marvel fans, assemble for this live, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands in this all-new, spectacular arena stunt show.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Marvel Universe LIVE! is performing at BB&T Center from Jan. 10 to 13, 2019 and at AmericanAirlines Arena from Jan. 17 to 21, 2019 for eight performances at each venue. Tickets are now on sale.

Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot and Drax make their live production debut bringing their courage and misfit wit to Marvel Universe LIVE! Alongside all your favorite superheroes such as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk, Black Widow, Wasp and Iron Fist, the Guardians of the Galaxy help fight the scheming, menacing and loathsome villains Loki, Yondu and Green Goblin.

Audiences will join in the quest that sparks new feuds with old foes, pitting student against mentor, sister against sister and brother against brother.

Witness cutting-edge special effects, aerial maneuvers, pyrotechnics, martial arts, motorcycle stunts and vast 3D video projection mapping in this completely new thrilling adventure. Fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel Universe and experience it all with their family — LIVE!

Tickets for Marvel Universe LIVE! are available on www.marveluniverselive.com. For group rates and information, reach out to FeldDirectGroups@feldinc.com or call 866-248-8740.

To discover more about Marvel Universe LIVE!, go to www.marveluniverselive.com.

John Allen, Coral Gables Museum executive director, honored by DAR

The Coral Gables Museum has announced that its executive director, John Allen, was honored by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Allen received the Excellence in Community Service Award on Tuesday, Oct. 9, during a luncheon at the Coral Reef Yacht Club.

Allen was presented with the award by former Coral Gables Mayor Dorothy Thomson on behalf of Kay Yarborough, national chair of the DAR Community Service Award Committee. Mayor Thomson, in her remarks, noted Allen’s many years of service and participation in non-profit and charitable organizations, which include having served as chair of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Coral Gables Museum, and as a board member of the Coral Gables Community Foundation where he currently serves on the Community Giving Committee. Other organizations in which Allen has been active include the President’s Cabinet of Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation and as a board member of the Coral Gables Art Cinema.

Following a 25-year career in mortgage banking, Allen, who sat on the board of the Coral Gables Museum for six years, including serving as chair, was named the executive director of the museum in December 2017.

For additional information, contact info@coralgablesmuseum.org.

Works from the permanent collections, along with a rotation of temporary exhibitions, are on view in the museum’s galleries Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Coral Gables Museum, call 305-603-8067 or visit www.coralgablesmuseum.org.

October 29

Big, dynamic city needs leadership that is accountable to the voters

Miami has emerged as a premier city in myriad ways that includes arts and culture, entrepreneurship, international trade, finance, outdoor recreation, media and telecommunications, tourism, and immigration.

On Nov. 6, Miami voters have the opportunity to support a strong mayor proposal that will position the city to build on these assets, align with national best practices for urban governance, and better address key priorities, including housing, poverty, public safety, and transportation.

Essential to the recent success of many large, diverse cities is the accountability of their mayors. These municipalities operate under a system often described as “strong mayor,” which gives the voters a clear view of the person to hold responsible for the administration of their city. The mayors perform the executive or administrative functions of the city while the city commissions or councils, elected in most cases from single-member districts, exercise their historic legislative role.

In contrast, Miami’s current form of government diffuses much of the traditional executive authority of the mayor to the city commission and city manager. This system may have worked when the city charter was first adopted in 1921. But nearly a century later, the city’s urgent challenges are not well-served by this ambiguity of administrative responsibility.

Under the current system, voters are left wondering “who’s in charge,” with commissioners pointing to the city manager, and the city manager pointing to the broad policymaking authority of the commission and mayor.

This is a severely outdated role for the principal elected official of the state’s most prominent city, a highly complex, ethnically diverse, internationally renowned municipality facing enormous challenges.

The notable progress of strong mayors in reducing crime, fighting urban decay, protecting neighborhoods, and cutting bureaucratic red tape reflects the wisdom of that proposal.

As political scientist and author Robert Lorch has written: “Large cities…often prefer to put strong, popularly elected mayors in charge of city administration. A city manager might lack the political strength necessary to mobilize the municipal bureaucracy behind important projects or goals. The larger the city, the stronger must be the hand that directs it. Council-manager systems work best in cities with populations from 5,000 to 100,000.”

Some observers, including the Miami Herald editorial board, have argued that a strong mayor would compromise the “checks and balances” against influence peddling. This is an often-repeated claim that simply is not based in fact. A review of the nation’s 50 largest cities, 27 of which have a strong mayor system of governance, shows no correlation between the level of corruption and a strong mayor governance model.

To the contrary, corruption and influence peddling abound in opaqueness, and the systems of government with fractured executive authority dilute transparency of decision-making and accountability. Moreover, the cities that are widely recognized for solving big problems and protecting quality of life, such as New York City’s legendary reduction of crime, are overwhelmingly led by strong mayors.

The Herald cited Chicago’s history of “power bosses” as a reason for opposing this proposal. That is misleading. Chicago’s challenge is not an executive mayor. In an impressively thorough report on public corruption in Chicago and Illinois published earlier this year, the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Political Science cited culture as the primary problem (“public corruption in Chicago has been endemic to the city’s and the state’s political culture for more than150 years”).

The report made thoughtful recommendations such as public integrity legislation, transparency of information, and increased citizen participation. All of those recommendations are more likely to be accomplished with a strong mayor with clear accountability to the people.

Miami’s strong mayor proposal is rooted in best practices and sound public policy. It would empower the city’s voters, enhance accountability and transparency, and strengthen the capacity for effective leadership that serves all the residents of Miami.

Shepard Nevel, born and raised in Miami, is an entrepreneur, a former CEO of a technology and education company, and was senior policy advisor to former Denver Mayor Wellington E. Webb. Prior to relocating to Denver, he served as an Assistant County Attorney for Miami-Dade County.

St. Theresa Catholic School a winner at local Academic Olympics events

St. Theresa Catholic School a winner at local Academic Olympics events
St. Theresa Catholic School a winner at local Academic Olympics events
St. Theresa School students are pictured at Columbus High event.

St. Theresa School was very successful in its attempt to win the Olympic Trophy at St. Brendan and Columbus Academic Olympics. The students brought home the overall large school division trophy from St. Brendan Olympics and the Division III Trophy at the Columbus Olympics.

“Twenty-five of our eighth grade students participated at St. Brendan’s, and forty students at the Columbus Olympics,” said Gloria Marti, vice principal at St. Theresa Catholic School. “We won 10 gold medals, three silver medals and seven bronze medals at St. Brendan, and eight gold, 14 silver and nine bronze medals at Columbus. We are very proud of our dedicated students and teachers.”

Students who participate are mentored by their teachers. They receive study guides and put in additional study hours as they compete either individually or as teams in a variety of topics, including, but not limited to, Drama, Debate, Math, Science, Language Arts, History, Journalism, General Skills and STEM.

“We are there to support our students and those from other schools, building a team spirit,” said Sister Rosalie Nagy, OCD and principal of St. Theresa School. “We want to encourage our students to use their God-given gifts and talents in a competition that is healthy and friendly, promoting our mission of Catholic faith formation, academic excellence and service in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment.”

Aetna Voices of Health campaign for Overtown Youth Center begins

Overtown Youth Center (OYC) recently announced that it is a finalist in Aetna’s Voices of Health campaign.

Online voting is under way at www.aetnavoicesofhealth.com. The voting period continues through Nov. 9 for 63 nominated non-profit organizations across six states that are working to improve health and well-being in their communities.

Aetna will award $20,000 to the groups that receive the most online votes and $10,000 to the second-place finishers in Atlanta, Columbus, Houston, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, South Florida and among four counties in California. In total, 14 winners will vie for $210,000 in grants.

The organizations selected to participate in this year’s Voices of Health promote health by addressing a wide range of community issues such as childhood obesity, access to affordable prescriptions and healthcare, HIV/AIDS prevention and services and helping homeless families become more self-sufficient, just to name a few. While the Voices of Health is a competition, the program aims to help facilitate a network for the local non-profits in each community to leverage each other’s services, allowing for more holistic access to a variety of services available to those who need them.

“For urban communities facing barriers to achieving college degrees and other barriers to sustainable employment, exposure and a commitment to increasing economic mobility through magnifying vocational options and assisting individuals every step of the way is how we will stabilize our families and build stronger communities,” said Tina Brown, OYC executive director.

The “Aetna Voices of Health” website will feature a one-minute video from each organization describing how the prize money would help them further their mission. Groups will be reaching out for votes in a number of different ways, including sharing their videos through social media and other communication channels.

Local 2018 “Aetna Voices of Health” honorees are: Education Fund; Overtown Youth Center; Branches; Casa Valentina, and Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation (Miami).

The mission of the Overtown Youth Center (OYC) is to inspire and empower youth and families by fostering hope through enrichment services. Co-founded by real-estate developer Martin Z. Marguiles and NBA Hall-of-Famer Alonzo Mourning, OYC is a year-round youth development agency providing: in-school, after school and summer programming, a parent enrichment program and post-high school support to over 400 youth and families in the Overtown neighborhood and surrounding areas.

The agency offers a full range of services including educational enrichment, recreational activities, mentoring, literacy initiatives, performing arts, prevention and life skills/training for at-risk youth.

For more information, visit www.overtownyouth.org.

Experience the ‘Tastes of Miami’ at Miami Seaquarium. Dec. 26-30

Experience the 'Tastes of Miami' at Miami Seaquarium. Dec. 26-30
Experience the 'Tastes of Miami' at Miami Seaquarium. Dec. 26-30
Try savory dishes from some of the best Caribbean and Latin American local restaurants and food trucks.

Miami Seaquarium invites the community to spice up the holiday season with the first “Tastes of Miami,” a Latin and Caribbean food and music festival, Dec. 26-30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Park hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Experience the diverse cultures that make Miami a unique and vibrant international city. Try savory dishes from some of the best Caribbean and Latin American local restaurants and food trucks.

The festival will feature activities for everyone to enjoy. Learn some dance moves with some of the best local music artists. Kids can have fun in a play area with bounce houses, arts and crafts, plus many more activities.

Admission to the event is included with park’s admission. For more information on the event visit www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Positive People in Pinecrest – Benjamin Almirall

Positive People in Pinecrest - Benjamin Almirall
Positive People in Pinecrest - Benjamin Almirall
Benjamin Almirall

Miami Palmetto High senior Benjamin Amirall has goals for his life.

“I actually want to be an actor when I grow up,” he says. “My main goal is to go to California and see where it takes me.”

When he goes to California, he expects to major in business and go to auditions on the side.

His college list includes Berkley, USC and Pomona – all liberal arts schools.

He’s taking steps to achieve his goals. He’s a member of the Palmetto Thespian Club and takes part in school productions. Last year he played the king in a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream. He expects to audition for shows this year.

“I started in tenth grade and I fell in love with it,” he says. “I love singing, I love acting. I’m not that good at dancing.”

He admires former actors who also break into politics.

“I’d like to Ronald Reagan my way through life,” he says. “I do want to be president. I was quite literal when I say that. I like politics.”

Although he’s a Democrat, he recently restarted the Young Republicans Club at school. He likes talking politics and figured if no one else was going to revive that club, he could do it.

He also likes organizing things.

“I can take a leadership role in our community. I thought of this and thought why not?” he says. “And did it.”

He’s talking about the collection drive he set up to help the homeless.

“I’m working with St. Louis Catholic Church,” he says. “I’m going to be giving them the cans and they are going to giving the cans to their charities like Camillus House.”

He placed collection boxes in various classrooms around the school to make it easy for students to donate. He’s also working with the Young Republican Club to sponsor the food drive.

Plans called for the drive to run through October 20. The cans collected were added to the cans he collected at the end of last year.

That drive was sponsored by the English honor Society but this year the sponsor wanted to work on more reading related activities.

Almirall is vice president of English Honor Society. The club does a variety of things at meetings, including analyzing poetry and songs.

“We give kids space to do their own thing,” he says. “Last year I did a rap song. My fellow board members shared poetry that they had written.”

He says the board is considering putting together a poetry slam.

He volunteers at St. Louis Catholic Church. In ninth grade, he went on a retreat with other youth group members and fell in love with his faith.

“My sophomore year. I was a volunteer at ROCK,” he says.

To this day, he is called to read a Bible passage from the Lectern every month or two. He reads the passage and the priest talks about what Almirall read.

He also volunteers for the St. Louis Christmas drive.

“People bring gifts and we run it over the gift wrappers,” he says.

Families at St. Louis choose a family whose information is hanging on a Christmas tree. The info is on paper shaped like a hand.

They buy the gifts and give them to the church volunteers who wrap them, group the gifts for the family and then take them to those who requested help.

“My mom does a hand every year,” he says.

She asks his advice on what to buy the boys. When he was in tenth grade he helped distribute the gifts in the community.

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

Giralda Place to present inaugural Gables Food, Wine & Spirits Festival pre-party

Giralda Place — Downtown Coral Gables’ newly completed, mixed-use project, combining 33 residences, ground-floor retail and office space — will host this year’s inaugural Coral Gables Food, Wine & Spirits Festival pre-party. Taking place on Friday, Nov. 2, 6-9 p.m., the soiree will launch the celebrated event into its ninth year.

Set just steps from the festival’s Coral Gables Museum starting location, the pre-party will join locals and industry leaders, as well as serve to introduce several of the participating wine and spirits vendors such as Gubba Rum, Dented Brick Distillery, Concrete Beach Brewery, and John Moore Gin.

Guests can savor a taste of authentic French cuisine by Amour de Miami, a Brickell-based eatery owned by Chef Arnaud Ferlin that will provide a sampling of signature items such as Croque Monsieur, quinoa salad with seared spicy tuna, and Quiche Lorraine.

During the event, guests will be invited to privately tour the new luxury condominium Giralda Place, it’s stunning amenities and two-level model residence designed by award-winning B+G Design Inc. The backdrop for the evening’s festivities will be the buildings seventh-floor pool deck, boasting a combination of Hamptons-style white and beige seating and lounge areas, a 48-foot pool, and summer kitchen.

Tickets are $49 per person, including two complimentary cocktails, and can be purchased on Eventbrite. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Coral Gables Firefighters Benevolent Association, a non-profit that aims to serve and support our local community.

Giralda Place is a defining, mixed-use project in the heart of Downtown Coral Gables. The building is located at 255-275 Giralda Ave., offering 33 modern residences, as well as 57,000 square feet of “Class A” office space, and 13,390 square feet of ground-floor retail.

Giralda Place is designed by John Fullerton of Fullerton Group Architects in the classic Mediterranean style that is synonymous with Coral Gables, with interiors by B+G Design Inc. The luxury residences are a fusion of functionality and contemporary style, with a variety of spacious floor plans.

The project is developed by Heidi Eckes-Chantré, who has successfully funded and developed real estate ventures in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Working alongside Eckes-Chantré on the development team are co-developers Kim Tabet and Christopher Brown. Exclusive sales and marketing for the project are by EWM Realty International.

For more information, visit www.giraldaplace.com or call 786-409-6500.

Students learn about the Tuskegee Airmen at ‘Rise Above’

Students learn about the Tuskegee Airmen at ‘Rise Above’
Pictured in front of the P-51 are students from Highland Oaks Middle School (“Panthers” in dark blue shirts) and Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School (Orange shirts).

More than one thousand Miami Dade County public schoolchildren enjoyed an incredible field trip where they met a heroic World War II pilot, viewed a restored P-51 fighter and watched an exciting film highlighting the famous Tuskegee Airmen of that era. 94 year-old Lieutenant Colonel Harold Brown (USAF Retired), one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, was the star attraction at “Rise Above”, a traveling exhibit designed to inspire young students to overcome adversity and be the best they can be. Sponsored by Carnival Corporation and with the support of other local organizations, the five day event ran from October 11-15 and hosted 25 Miami Dade County middle schools and high schools including:

Coral Reef Senior High School
International Studies Prep Academy
American Senior High School
Hialeah Senior High School
Lake Stevens Middle School
North County K-8 Center
North Miami Middle School
Young Men’s Preparatory Academy
Citrus Grove Middle School
Cutler Bay Senior High School
Highland Oaks Middle School
Homestead Middle School
Madie Ives K-8 Prep Academy
Miami Sunset Senior High School
Ruben Dario Middle School
West Miami Middle School
Miami Southridge Sr. High School
Cypress K-8 Center
Edison Park K-8 Center
iPrep Academy
Kinloch Park Middle School
Miami Norland Sr. High School
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
William Turner Technical Arts High School
Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School

The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II were a group of African-American pilots, aircraft maintainers and other support personnel who broke racial barriers and stereotypes during a time when American society, including its armed forces, were segregated.

Almost 300 Tuskegee pilots flew in combat over Europe escorting strategic bombers as they attacked and destroyed German factories and military installations. The Tuskegee-piloted aircraft, part of the 332nd Fighter Group, had their tail sections painted bright red earning them the nickname “The Red Tails.” Allied bomber crews sighed with relief when the famous “Red Tails” joined them as protective escorts and fought off attacking Nazi airplanes.

Lieutenant Colonel Brown, the featured speaker, is one of the few surviving Tuskegee pilots and is in great health. During the event his energy level seemed to increase—not decrease—the more he spoke to students and shared with them his wartime exploits. Those tales included his time spent as a prisoner of war…the first time he had ever been in a non-segregated military camp. Teachers, students, and other guests marveled at the nonagenarian’s detailed memory, humor, humility and engaging manner.

“Rise Above” was organized by the South Florida Aerospace Scholarship Corporation, a non-profit group dedicated to helping young men and women pursue careers in science, technology and engineering and that provides financial assistance to US Air Force ROTC cadets.

Raul Mas Canosa, president of the organization, thanked the myriad supporters that contributed to the wildly successful event.

“This was the brainchild of our outgoing president Stan Bodner assisted by many other able individuals and organizations. We provided the spark but they gave us the momentum to get over the finish line.”

“Carnival Corporation was proud to welcome the Tuskegee Airmen and Red Tail Squadron to South Florida,” said Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation, whose brands include namesake Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. “We’re delighted that so many students and other visitors were touched by the story of the Tuskegee airmen and found it a source of inspiration for their own lives.”

Other sponsors and supporters included the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, Signature Aviation, US Army Recruiting, the Air Force Association, University of Miami USAF ROTC Detachment 155, Florida National University, the Miami Military Museum and Synergy Rents.

During class, how about students using manners and respect as much as their iPhone

Many of you know how much I love working with and motivating kids. I have spent the last nine years presenting my Student Success Project pro bono in schools, organizations, clubs, and teams and even in houses of worship. But, nothing has compared to the insight of the past few weeks of me being a substitute teacher.

For with everything we want our kids to learn to become successful, it seems that the most important factors for future success simply is not addressed and that is basic manners and respect.

I’m Beside Myself

I have simply been blown away by the complete lack of what seemingly is knowledge of basic manners and how to “be” in public. Do not waste your time giving me 100 different excuses and reasons why students just don’t get it, as they are just that.

I am not talking about over-the-top etiquette school type of things here, I’m talking about basic common sense behaviors that so many of these kids simply do not have in their already small skill set. And I’m talking about kids from all zip codes – public school, charter school, private school – it just doesn’t seem to matter.

It’s An Epidemic

The sense of entitlement and lack of responsibility is an epidemic. (I’m just talking about school here) I see it in the way they disrespect teachers to the way they leave the cafeteria a complete mess. And thanking cafeteria staff when handed their lunch – a thank you is not even in their universe.

Sadly enough, over the years after presenting my Student Success Project, I have had parents come up to me and say how it’s great that I present “old school values and character issues.” Unfortunately, therein lies the problem that raising kids with manners, respect and a real understanding of character is now considered old-school.

I have become so frustrated I have spent much of my class time trying to fill gaps that their parents clearly have not attended to.

And yes I know it’s not my job, but someone has to do it. If I had a $100 for every kid who says please or thank you to the real heroes (entire school staff) who run the school, I would be a poor man.

Huh, What Is Thank You?

One of the first questions I ask with an auditorium full of kids is – “when is the last time you thanked a teacher?” with the obvious response being “for what?” It’s offending to explain to students that teachers work around-the-clock to ensure their one-hour of learning is simply the best. I mean seriously, have you seen some of these classrooms that teachers prep for their kids? They’re works of art, time, effort, and caring.

So if manners and respect are not part of the fabric of our kids’ lives – let me try to explain this in a very callous way.

If they do not know the basic civilities and baseline manners there is no chance of them moving forward and being successful.

And I’m talking about college, getting a job, or any other interaction that necessitates presenting ones self in a respectful manner.

Please do not insult me by saying “kids will be kids,” I know. I have kids. Don’t blame lack of manners and respect on technology because we all know that phones and video games have destroyed interpersonal communication –duh.

Success or Failure is Now.

But what I hope you also know is that if you and your kids do not correct this immediately you will be forced to say no thank you to any form of success.

This column is by Ritchie Lucas, Founder of The Student Success Project and Think Factory Marketing. He can be reached at 305-788-4105 or via email at ritchie@thinkfactory.com and on Facebook and You Tube as The Student Success Project.

Two fabulous musicals are showcased at the Gardens

Two fabulous musicals are showcased at the Gardens

Be prepared to be amazed at the level of production genius from two outstanding theatrical companies. The performance quality and level of professionalism will literally take your breath away. Miami Childrens Theater presents the wonderful and whimsical musical, “Once Upon a Mattress” Friday, November 2, and Saturday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m. and a special Sensory Friendly performance will be performed on Saturday, November 3, at 3:00 p.m. If you thought you knew the story of ‘The Princess and The Pea,’ you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that it may not have been the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of beguiling songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are, you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Tickets: $15 Adults, $12 Seniors and Students 2 and older, $10 Sensory-friendly show.

Velma and Roxie, Chicago’s dynamic duo, sing and dance their way to the Gardens when the award winning Gulliver Preparatory Theater Department presents one of Broadway favorite shows, Chicago, Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November, 10 at 7:30 p.m. In roaring twenties Chicago, chorus girl, Roxie Hart, murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap, until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another “merry murderess,” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the American Dream: fame, fortune, and acquittal. Tickets: $12.

Art

Hibiscus Gallery
“Antarctic Ice Paintings: Global Coastlines and Underwater HOA” a solo exhibition by Xavier Cortada, premiering works created in Antartica in 2007

Artist Meet and Greet: Thursday, November 8 (7 – 10 p.m.)

Join us at the opening of this extraordinary show featuring paintings created at the South Pole using melted ice as the key component of each magnificent piece. Xavier Cortada, recipient of a 2006-2007 National Science Foundation Antarctic Artists and Writers fellowship, traveled to Antarctica to implement a series of projects and installations. While there, the Miami artist created “Antarctic Ice Paintings” using glacier ice, sea ice, and sediment samples provided to him by McMurdo LTER scientists working in Antarctica. “Global Coastlines,” a series comprised of all of the artist’s Antarctic works on paper which had not yet been titled (and had never been shown) will be premiered and named at Pinecrest Gardens. One is titled “Antarctica,” another “Pinecrest, Florida.” The remaining sixty works will be titled for another 60 global communities threatened by sea level rise. The exhibition is part of a broader participatory art project aimed at engaging residents in a conversation about the future of their properties.

The exhibition will also serve to launch the Underwater HOA participatory public art project the artist is implementing with the Village of Pinecrest to engage their 6,000 households in addressing sea lever rise. Learn more at www.underwaterHOA.com.

HARTVEST Project
HARvest’s wonderful Teen Art Collectors Club (TACC), will be Friday, November 2, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The topic is a PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP entitled “Self-Portraits” were artist Leslie Gabaldon will host an Art Talk and Workshop for Teenagers. The workshop has been carefully designed to offer Teens and Pre-Teens (10 years and up) an interesting art experience! Tickets are $25 and include refreshments. Register at www.hartvestproject.com/book-events or for further information call: 305-988-5089. Registration deadline is Wednesday, October 31.

UNNATURAL NATURE Art Opening will be Saturday, November 10, 6-9:00 p.m. featuring works by Video-Artists: Anja Marais/Amalia Caputo/Antonia Wright/Carola Bravo/Juan Carlos Zaldivar/Mariza Caneca and Naomi Fisher. Artists and Designers: Fabio Designs/ Flora and Form/ lMNOQ / Myung Nam An / Nina Surel/ Paloma Teppa/ Rita Motta/ Studio Mass/ and Guest Musician: Julio Prato and Curated by Jessica Acosta-Rubio. This event is free and open to the public.

Education

Horticulture Workshops at Pinecrest Gardens have been moved to Saturday mornings at 10:30. These one hour classes are hands-on workshops with all materials and included in the fee…no one goes home empty handed. All workshops are open to the public and pre-registration is required by calling 305-669-6990. Space is limited. November 10 begins our Growing Edibles Series: Vegetable Gardening 101. Grow time is upon us! We can’t wait to get our veggies planted. This class will cover how to get your beds ready for growing season, how to plan your garden, and seed starting basics. Take home your first edible plant of the season! Fee is $20.

Little Lizards is a free-with-admissions drop-in program every Wednesday afternoon 2-4:00 p.m. at the picnic areas near the playground. This informal program will feature new activities every week relating to a monthly theme. Lizards will read, explore, create, and imagine while learning about the wonders of nature. No prior registration necessary. Weather permitting.

Recommended for children ages 3-10 years. November’s topic is Garden Edibles/Harvest. The fall is the perfect time to learn about edible gardening in Florida. Join us in November as we start planting veggie beds for the season. Take home your very own vegetable seedling and taste what we have growing in the garden after learning about the plant parts we love to eat!

Pinecrest Garden Club
The Pinecrest Garden Club will be having its first ever SIP, (Social in Pinecrest), in the Cypress Hall on November 11. It will be a Meet & Greet for its members, their guests and potential members. For information contact the Pinecrest Garden Club at 305-279-5821

- Advertisement -